Jeremiah 15:14 (KJV)

What does Jeremiah 15:14 mean?

Jeremiah 15:14 describes God’s judgment on the people of Judah. God says that their enemies will carry them away to an unfamiliar land. The verse presents their removal from home as the result of God’s anger.

The image of a fire makes that anger vivid: it is kindled and burns against the people. Following the mention of their wealth in verse 13, verse 14 turns to what will happen to the people themselves.

The Hebrew behind Jeremiah 15:14

• “knowest” — יָדַע (yadaʿ): This word can mean to know or be familiar with something. Here it describes a land outside the people’s experience, not simply a place they cannot name.
• “anger” — אַף (ʾaf): This word often means anger, though it can also refer to the nose or nostril. Its use with the image of fire gives a vivid picture of fierce anger.

Why Jeremiah 15:14 matters

• The people’s enemies are part of the judgment, but God is the speaker who declares it. The words “I will make thee to pass” place the coming journey under God’s judgment.
• The unfamiliar land points beyond a loss of possessions. After verse 13 speaks of wealth and treasures, verse 14 speaks of people being taken away.
• The fire is a picture of anger directed at the people. The phrase “which shall burn upon you” describes the force of that anger, rather than naming a separate fire.